Pugsley: aka, the Sausage.
Lori: Loves Pugs. Writing. Food and Fashion.
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It’s a sweltering 97 degrees here in the Northeast which got me thinking about another hot topic: Global Warming. I caught some parts of Live Earth this weekend, the benefit concert to raise awareness for anthropogenic climate changes. That is, the effect of increased industrial activities and other human activities that are responsible for or contributing to the Earth’s average temperature rising.
The concert was intended to encourage people to live more environmentally friendly lifestyles. I’m all for that. Nobody cried more than I did with the Crying Indian from the 70’s commercial in his "Keep America Beautiful" anti pollution campaign. The PSA televised one of my proud Cherokee ancestors canoeing down the river through human degradation, smog, and waste. To see through his crying eyes what’s become of our natural world was devastating to me as a child. If you’re too young to remember, I dug it up here on Retrojunk.com.
So I’m all about protecting the planet of course, but I’m also skeptical about how much of Global Warming is truly brought on by humans and how much of it is actually just natural occurrences and phenomena? I mean, the Earth has been known to take on many different forms and climates over the years. Like before the 18th century and the industrial age. Take the Ice Age for instance, was man to blame for that?
I don’t think I have a side on this topic, I’m just throwing out some talking points if anyone feels like chiming in. I’m not saying I believe it’s man or wild or both or neither – maybe there is a spiritual element at play here if you believe in that sort of thing, like biblical plagues. I’m merely interested in learning more and knowing where others stand on the issue.
I wasn't a big Al Gore fan when he was in office, but I will say I think he’s done his best work with his environmental activism. I’m just not sure how much of it is true. I didn’t see an Inconvenient Truth, and I’m not sure if I will. If anyone wants to convince me why I should, I'm all ears.
In a sort of freaky twist to this entry...either I've been hitting my peace pipe too hard or there is a strong resemblence between Al Gore and old Iron Eyes Cody. Hmmmmm....
greg commented July 10, 2007 08:11 AM
Lori,
You should watch Al's movie. It is very informative. What I liked about it is that nobody is trying to make a buck off of you when you watch it. The facts presented in this flick are staggering. I am like you not a big Al Gore fan, although he did get my vote out of lack of a better choice that had a chance to win that election 7 long years ago. I have to wonder if there wasn't a reason for him to not get the presidency then. If he would have won he never would have made this movie. I think it is very important that EVERYONE see it.
Greg
Jules commented July 10, 2007 08:30 AM
Hi sista,
I agree with Greg - watch as much of the movie as you can. I did not watch the whole thing because quite frankly, the truth hurts and it's a hard pill to swallow. The movie is based on reasearch and facts.
We can watch it together if you like.
Peace
Jules
coffeypot commented July 10, 2007 12:08 PM
Did you know that Iron Eyes Codey wasn't and Indian at all? After his death it came out that he was actually an Italian and came to the US as a child.
One of the things Al never mentions is that the Sun is something like 7 percent hotter and will remain so for about the next 10 years. Then it will cool back down to its toasty normal self. Also, that the ice caps on Mars are also melting and one of the other planets that I can't remember, too.
I'm sorry, but I just can't buy into anything Al is behind. It's seems so hypocritical to live as he does, fly private jets where ever he goes, and receives so much money for his efforts. I just can’t help feeling that he, and the movement is just a scam. I know that he quotes scientist and stuff, but there are just as many other scientists that say it is bunk. The world is going through a cyclical phase. I also heard yesterday that the ice caps and Greenland that he keeps crying about is building back up. I did go outside yesterday and left the door open, but I don’t think the new ice buildup is coming from my airconditioner.
Nicole commented July 10, 2007 07:51 PM
i totally agree with Greg, except for the part when he said Gore didn't get the Presidency. haha. good one.
ok just playing! :) But you should see the movie, I am sure there are faults to be found with his arguments in one case or another, but the facts are staggering and it's valuable to learn what one person can do to prevent this world from being a giant piece of crap.
We can debate back and forth on ice caps and what scientists say in each camp, however our air quality blows in many places, we make WAY more trash then we need to, and we're just not conscious of how much we waste. This movie did give me the little bit of guilt I needed to push my recycling habits even farther (ie, see where you can recycle empty propane tanks instead of throwing them out, see where you can recycle old electronics, generally waste less, use less paper products, etc). It's a valuable movie for anyone to see.
Lori commented July 10, 2007 07:54 PM
Hmmm, everyone makes very valid points. I agree with coffeypots logic (and humor) and I guess I'll have to see the film for myself on my friends recommendations. I just hope it's better than "the Queen" abd "Dreamgirls"...I rented those last weekend and they were both duds, couldn't hold my attention at all.
Lori commented July 10, 2007 08:02 PM
p.s. Nicole, I knew about the propane tank thing it's actually a law here in CT. that you have to recycle them. Seems like I go through a lot of propane tanks with my grill.
I admit I could use a refresher guilt course on some things, like I could be a lot of better about turning lights off in the house. I could get paper bags at the grocery store instead of plastic. Shoot, I could take shorter showers and I could create a composting station in my backyard for pete's sake.... I guess it all boils down to comfort and convenience and laziness, which I guess is why man created all of material things that are now supposedly responsible for the destruction of the planet. figures.
Nicholas Macias commented July 10, 2007 09:10 PM
For the record, the research Coffeepot is referring to is by a Dr. Solanki, who FURTHER states that even this Extra Crispy Sun does not explain the full extent of the observed climate crisis. At most, those findings are something that need to be investigated further -- but by no means establish that the Earth is merely in some natural cycle and that we can all write this off. The balance of evidence just isn't there yet.
To everyone, please don't dismiss climate crisis because of the politics. Or if you simply must, consider who has more stake in making crap up in order to maintain the status quo (hint: so-called conservatives).
Marni commented July 11, 2007 09:50 AM
Not gonna comment on the Al stuff or global warming... Yawn...
But I DO love the rockin' clock. :) I stole it from Biddie so it was totally OK to steal it from me. I like the color choices!